Tier 2 – The Darkness of Shadowfen
**Tier 2 play**
In the heart of the bustling city of Eldoria, where the streets pulse with the vibrant energy of magic and the air is thick with the scent of exotic spices and blooming flora, your party finds themselves drawn together by a series of peculiar events. The once-quiet district of Shadowfen, known for its rich history and shadowy alleyways, has recently been plagued by a string of mysterious disappearances. Whispers in taverns speak of a sinister figure lurking in the twilight, a specter of dread that seems to know the darkest secrets of its victims.
As the sun sets, casting a warm golden hue over the cobblestones, you gather in the dimly lit back room of The Gilded Griffin, a tavern frequented by adventurers and rogues alike. The air is heavy with the scent of roasted meats and the sound of laughter mingles with the clinking of mugs. Here, a hooded figure approaches your table, their face obscured by shadows. With a voice that is both smooth and urgent, they reveal that they are a member of the secret order you once served, seeking your aid.
"You must find the source of the darkness in Shadowfen," they implore, their hands trembling slightly. "Our order has long kept a watchful eye on an ancient artifact known as the Eye of Nyx, rumored to grant its wielder unimaginable power. It has resurfaced, and with it, a cult of zealots has emerged, intent on unleashing its dark potential upon the world."
Your quest begins in the alleyways of Shadowfen, where the familiar blend of light and shadow plays tricks on your senses. As you navigate the labyrinthine streets, you encounter the first signs of trouble: graffiti of twisted symbols marking the walls, and the distant sound of chanting echoing through the night. The tension thickens as you approach an abandoned warehouse, rumored to be the cult's hideout.
Inside, the air is stale and heavy, filled with the scent of damp wood and something acrid. Flickering torches cast eerie shadows on the walls, illuminating a group of cultists gathered around an altar. At the center stands their leader, a figure cloaked in darkness, with eyes that gleam like molten gold. This is Malakar, a former member of your order who has succumbed to the allure of the Eye of Nyx.
**Malakar's Basic Stats:**
– **HP:** 50
– **AC:** 15
– **Attack:** Shadow Blade (Melee, +6 to hit, 2d8+4 necrotic damage)
– **Special Ability:** Dark Invocation – Once per encounter, Malakar can summon shadows to grapple two players (DC 14 Strength save or be restrained for one round).
As the confrontation unfolds, the warehouse trembles with the power of the artifact, and the cultists seem emboldened by their leader's presence. Your party must decide how to approach this impending battle: will you attempt to negotiate, use stealth to gain an advantage, or charge in with weapons drawn? Each choice carries its own risks and rewards.
Victory will not only mean defeating Malakar but also securing the Eye of Nyx before it can be unleashed upon the world. With the fate of Eldoria hanging in the balance, your skills and wits will be tested like never before. Will you emerge as heroes, or will the shadows claim you as their own? The choice is yours, brave adventurers.